A state-of-the-art nanotechnology unit arrived at Bond University’s Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine last week, the first of its kind in any Australian university. The ‘Nano Spider’ will be available to university researchers and students for their respective research and learning needs.
Nanotechnology or ‘nanotech’ for short is a branch of science and engineering that deals with extremely tiny objects ranging in size from 1 to 100 nanometres, such as particles, atoms and molecules.
Professor of Surgery, Dr Patrick Warnke, originally from Germany, organised for the $100,000+ equipment to be imported from Europe and set up in the private Gold Coast University. Dr Warnke is a pioneer in stem cell research who made headlines around the world after leading the team that successfully ‘grew’ a new jawbone for a cancer patient from their own stem cells.
“We will now be able to use new imaging devices to examine membranes and fibres, and it will give us the ability to grow stem cells,” says Dr Warnke.
Professor Warnke plans to develop a procedure, which will utilise the patient’s own adult stem cells and the latest nanotechnology from the Nano Spider to help find a cure for the leading cause of blindness in Australia, macular degeneration.
The large sophisticated machinery, the size of a phone box will require a new custom wall to be installed in one of the university’s research labs.
“This particular type of unit is unique in Australia and no other university in the country has one yet.” says Dr Warnke.
The Australian Government has realised the potential and future opportunities that the nanotech field offers for use in materials, biotechnology, medical devices, electronics, photonics, energy, environment and quantum technology and is now offering grants up to $100 million. By procuring the new nano spider unit, Bond University is now very well placed to be at the forefront of research into many of the government identified areas.
"Bond students are very lucky to now have such a sophisticated device on campus!" says Dr Warnke.
Bond University’s Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine offers innovative fast-tracked two year degrees in Biomedical Science, Exercise and Sports Science, Forensic Science, Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Sports Management, as well as a four year and eight month Medicine program.
